AUGUSTA — On Sept. 16 at 2 p.m. at the Blaine House in Augusta, the Maine Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, along with Speaker Hannah Pingree, will present the Excellence in Long-Term Care Award to 16 outstanding direct care workers. These workers are employed throughout the state in nursing homes, residential care facilities, assisted living, hospice, and home care. Gov. John Baldacci has designated Sept. 14-20 as Direct Support Professional Recognition Week.

This seventh annual event was established to recognize the outstanding work of Maine's direct care work force.The Excellence in Long-Term Care Awards is a celebration of these workers and the critical role they play in supporting the state's residents who need care every day. Award recipients must meet specific criteria which include: leadership among their peers, commitment to the protection of resident rights and excellence in providing care. Award recipients are selected by an independent panel. Providers from across the state submit nominations. Each year the number of nominations grows.

2009 Excellence in Long-Term Care Award recipients from the area are: Ann Cook, RN, Maine Veterans' Homes, South Paris; Stella DerBoghosian CNA, Charles A. Dean Nursing Home, Greenville; Dorie Haley, DCA 5, Medical Care Developments Brookside Apts., Norway; and Claire Tutt, Direct Support Professional, Support Solutions, Lewiston.